Rodman Expands Its Order Book with the Construction of More Than 20 Patrol Boats

The Moaña shipyard holds contracts with the Spanish Navy, the Civil Guard and the Democratic Republic of the Congo worth more than €65 million

Rodman Polyships is expanding its order book with the construction of more than 20 patrol boats at its facilities in Meira (Moaña) for the Spanish Navy, the Civil Guard's Maritime Service and the Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The three contracts, valued at more than €65 million, consolidate the Moaña shipyard's position as one of the international leaders in this type of vessel.

The company has just released images of the boats being built for the Spanish Navy. The first unit is nearing completion and is scheduled for delivery before the end of the year, while construction of the second has recently begun. The vessels are based on the Rodman 66 model, built from glass-reinforced polyester and specifically developed for patrol and surveillance operations in Spanish coastal waters. According to the company's technical specifications, they measure 20.5 metres in length and 4.9 metres in beam, can accommodate 11 crew members, have a range of 500 nautical miles and can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots.

The contract, awarded at the beginning of this year, is worth €10.4 million. Between 2023 and 2024, the company delivered three similar vessels to the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

The shipyard also holds a €5.4 million contract to build two patrol boats for the Civil Guard's Maritime Service. The vessels will measure 22 metres in length and have a maximum speed of 43 knots. They are designed to remain in service for at least 20 years, carrying out missions including combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration, as well as protecting the marine environment.

This year, Polyships secured the largest contract in its history, subject to confidentiality agreements, for the construction of 19 surveillance patrol boats for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The contract is valued at approximately €50 million.

Metalships, the other shipyard belonging to the Vigo-based Rodman Group, is currently focused on major vessel maintenance and repair projects, ensuring a steady workload for the remainder of the year. Its return to shipbuilding could centre on oceanographic vessels if the proposed sale of the company to the US-based Oyster Ocean Group, which both parties are currently negotiating, is completed. The negotiations are being conducted under strict confidentiality, as the transaction could mark the revival of one of Vigo's major shipyards. Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has expressed interest in the facilities located in Teis.

Source: Atlántico Diario